Researchers at JPL have developed the first microscope that has an optical resolution 10 times more precise than in typical microscopes. This has allowed resolution of images at the molecular level and even as small as 4 nanometers.

This is a revolutionary step in the development of optical resolution microscopes, as the ultimate objective is to develop an optical microscope with the resolution of an electron microscope . These parameters would enable the following capabilities:

With better optical resolution comes more detailed, thorough analyses of sample return materials. Many of the elements of FANSOM could significantly improve the safety of long-duration space missions. For example, with its ability to detect images and fragments at the molecular level, this microscope would be able to quantitatively compare and characterize astronaut immune system response as a function of microgravity and radiation exposure. With the return to human space flight becoming more of a reality than an idea, this should prove to be extremely valuable to NASA.

Implications

FANSOM will vastly improve optical resolution by more than 40 times from traditional microscopes. In addition, returned samples can be viewed at the molecular level. This will help to identify fragments of life down to <1 nanometer, which will be crucial to NASA's Sample Return and Life Detection missions in the coming decades.